The Air Quality Control Commission will hold a public rulemaking hearing to consider a proposal by the Division to revise Regulation Number 7 to address the increased emissions of volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen from oil and gas exploration and production activities in the nine county deferred ozone nonattainment area. The Division will also propose a revision to the rule to require emission controls for oil and gas operations on a statewide basis.

Purpose/Objective of Rule

The Revisions to Section XVII were adopted in order to reduce air emissions from oil and gas operations and natural gas fired reciprocating internal combustion engines in Colorado. These revisions constitute a forward-looking approach to deal with a rapidly growing source of air emissions, and are designed to reduce the possibility of future problems with respect to the attainment of National ambient air quality standards and state and federal Class I Area visibility goals. Since the requirements are not mandated under federal law and are not currently necessary to meet National Ambient Air Q